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The "Western diet," which is typically high in animal products, processed foods, and refined sugars, has been linked to negative impacts on both human health and the environment. To make the western diet more sustainable, there are several steps that could be taken:
Increase plant-based foods: Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can improve health outcomes while also reducing the environmental impact of the diet. These foods require less land, water, and energy to produce than animal products.
Reduce meat consumption: Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems. Reducing meat consumption, especially beef and lamb, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the diet. Consuming smaller portions of meat or replacing it with plant-based protein sources can be a good place to start.
Choose sustainably produced foods: Choose foods that have been produced using sustainable practices, such as regenerative agriculture, organic farming, or fair trade. These practices can reduce the environmental impact of food production while also supporting social and economic sustainability.
Reduce food waste: Approximately one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted. Reducing food waste can help to conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money.
Cook at home: Eating out or purchasing pre-made meals can be convenient, but it often results in more packaging waste and can be less healthy than cooking at home. Cooking at home can also help to reduce food waste and encourage the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods.
By taking steps to increase the proportion of plant-based foods, reduce meat consumption, choose sustainably produced foods, reduce food waste, and cook at home, the western diet can become more sustainable and better for both human health and the environment.